The Ancient Larches in Ultental Valley / Val d’Ultimo

About the Ancient Larches
Located near St. Gertraud in the Ultental Valley, the Ancient Larches are among the oldest known conifer trees in Europe. Early estimates suggested they were over 2,000 years old, but more recent studies indicate a probable age of about 850 years, dating back to the 12th century, around the year 1150. Larches of this age and size are extremely rare and rank among the oldest known larches worldwide. Today they are a protected natural monument.

• The first larch is the tallest, standing around 36.5 m with a trunk circumference of 7 m. Its top has died off due to a lightning strike.
• The second larch measures 34.5 m in height and boasts the largest trunk circumference of 8.34 m, also with a damaged top.
  Tip: Take a close look at the trunk – it’s almost grotesque! Kids might see a “tree butt,” while others imagine eyes and a large, knobbly nose.
• The third larch is now about 22.5 m high, as its original top is missing. Its special feature: it is hollow inside, with a 6 m tall trunk cavity that children can explore!

History Comes Alive
Our children were fascinated by how long these trees have existed. Here are a few ideas to explain the age and height of the larches in a vivid way for kids (feel free to get creative!):

• The trees were already here before Columbus discovered America.
• They were already here when knights still lived in South Tyrol.
• They are older than almost all the castles we see in South Tyrol today.
• A human might live 100 years – the Ultner Larches have witnessed eight human lifetimes in a row!
• The tallest larch is as high as a ten-story building.
• If you stack seven large buses on top of each other, you reach roughly the same height.
• Or imagine six elephants stacked one on top of the other – that’s about the height of one larch!

Tip: Try hugging the thickest larch as a family – you probably won’t even reach halfway around it!

Directions
Park at the Lahnersäge Visitor Center in St. Gertraud. Follow the signs marked “Urlärchen” (Ancient Larches). First, cross a bridge, then walk about 20 minutes along a stroller-friendly paved path. The last few meters go through the forest and are slightly bumpy for strollers.

After visiting the larches, you can continue along the Ultner Höfe Trail or stop at the nearby Gasthaus Lärchengarten (with playground and excellent food).